Disclaimer: I own none of the Star Trek characters.

Chapter 36

"Come on Pavel! Why not bring the kids up?" Jim asked after multiple subtle attempts which Pavel had ignored on purpose.

"I am on duty, Keptin. Ze children have no need to be on ze bridge," the young Russian responded without turning his attention away from his station screen. This was his first day working on the Enterprise again and he was happy that going back to work was just like getting back on a bicycle again.

"Fine then, Mr. Chekov. I want to play with the kids." The only one with children on the ship felt a twitch in his eye at the whining tone his Captain used. This man was supposed to be leading them on successful missions, not begging to play with a subordinate's children like the over grown toddler Leonard accused him of being.

From the corner of his eye he noticed Spock frowning. Most likely the older man disapproved of the Captain's behavior as much as Pavel did. On the other side of him Sulu was trying very hard not to laugh. The Asian man's shoulders were shaking and his face was starting to turn red from trying to hold his mirth in. Even though he couldn't see her, Pavel knew Uhura was glaring at him from behind and blaming him for the lack of professionalism among the crew. The Communication's officer had made things very clear from the moment they were in warp drive. She blamed him for her breakup with Spock even though it had been explained to her countless times that the Vulcan had broken up with her because they wanted different things. The bond Spock had with Pavel made him instinctively reject any other being that may have an interest in him, even when the bond had been smothered. Still she felt the blonde was the reason for the relationship ending. Irrational behavior if Pavel ever saw it.

"If you vant to play vith ze children zen you can visit zem during your off hours," Pavel said simply in return. There really was no reason for the twins to be on the bridge. This was the work place, not a play area for kids. Why couldn't Jim see that?

"But you always hole up in medbay!" Seriously, when would he stop.

"Zen stop by. Zere is nothing preventing you from going zere." Hopefully he didn't sound snippy in that last response. Perhaps he was too used to the quiet of Brilliant Repairs.

That reminded him, he should send a video message to Daniel when he got the chance. He missed working in the shops a lot more than he had anticipated.

"Yes there is! Bones is there with his hypos of doom!" Jim threw his hands up in a dramatic fashion.

Just as the part time crew member was about to open his mouth to give a testy reply, Uhura interrupted him.

"There's an incoming transmission from Starfleet, Captain." There was definitely some attitude in those words.

"On screen," Jim commanded in a serious voice.

Admiral Richard Barnett appeared on the screen looking tired, but clearly relieved to see the Enterprise bridge crew.

"Captain Kirk."

"Admiral Barnett, what can I do for you?"

"Just checking to make sure everyone made it on board. The Vulcan counsel has not so subtly threatened us with a lawsuit if we don't hand the children over to them."

Pavel stiffened at his words, his head shooting up to stare at the Admiral. The Vulcan's were trying still trying to take his children away from him.

"Don't worry, Mr. Chekov. We've got them neck deep in legal papers and a counter suit thanks to your lawyer." The man on the screen leaned onto the surface in front of him, most likely a desk. "I do however want to pass on an order."

"Alright, what's this order?" Jim asked with a bit of concern. Pavel understood why most of the crew were looking at him now, this order had to do with him.

"A man by the name of David Hamilton has been on the run for a while now. He violated his parole and was seen a near a space port a few days ago. He managed to get on a ship. He has an unhealthy obsession with Mr. Chekov. Keep an eye out for him."

Pavel felt his world collapse underneath him. David still hadn't been caught and he was in space now. His ex-husband was chasing after him. What would happen if he caught up with them? Oh, God; what would he do to the twins? His breath started shortening into gasps. Voices around him were nothing but a static haze. His vision was starting to go black as he couldn't get enough air. He was suffocating, but he couldn't stop it.

Then there were hands pulling him from his chair into a strong embrace. One hand cradled the back of his head, forcing his face into a strong chest. The other arm curled around his waist, pulling him close to a sturdy body. The hand in his hair started petting, fingers massaging his scalp. Slowly his breathing returned to normal and his hearing returned. Everything was so loud now, and his eyes watered from the pain. A pained whimper escaped him as he held onto Spock's shirt tighter. When had he taken hold of it to begin with?

"Mr. Spock, take him to Bones. Make sure him and the kids are alright," Pavel heard Jim order.

"What did he do—"

"You will hold your tongue, Uhura!"

Before he could hear more Spock whisked him away to the turbolift. They were silent for the trip down. Shock started to settle in and the young man's legs gave out on him. Without prompting the Vulcan picked the smaller male up and held him as if he was holding Vitaliy. His legs were maneuvered so that they were wrapped around the older man's waist. The door opened and Spock made a speedy trip to medbay, glaring a snickering Ensign into silence.

"I heard what happened," was the first thing Leonard said when they entered, "Come in the back, the kids are there."

Not needing to be told twice, Spock marched into the play room for the twins. The moment they entered the room the twins were toddling towards them as fast as possible. Spock sat on the plush carpet and turned Pavel around so that he could see the concerned faces of their children. With a strangled sob the blonde reached out and pulling the two towards him. Lyusya started to pet his face trying to wipe away tears he hadn't known he was shedding. Vitaliy cooed at him and nuzzled into his chest. Pavel held them tightly to him as Spock nuzzled his blonde hair.